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  • / What is a B-train?

What is a B-train?

There are three main vehicle combination types in New Zealand:

  • Truck and trailer – a rigid truck towing a full trailer using a drawbar
  • Semitrailer – a tractor unit towing a semitrailer, coupled using a fifth wheel
  • B-train (sometimes called B-double) – a tractor unit towing two semitrailers, coupled using two fifth wheels.

A B-train is a tractor unit towing a semitrailer that has a dolly with a fifth wheel on the back of it, to which another semitrailer is attached.

It’s called a B-train because a fifth wheel plus kingpin coupling is also called a B coupling. An A coupling is a bolt and pin coupling used with a truck and trailer combination. You can find out how to connect different types of trailer here.

Unlike in Australia, it is not possible to add more than two trailers to the combination.

How do you identify a B-train?

B-trains are almost always tankers, or curtainsiders with a step deck (i.e. the front part of the front trailer is slightly higher and the deck steps down). This is to maximise the loading height for the remainder of the trailer.

A TR Group B-train curtainsider shown in the foreground, showing the step deck
B-train chemical tanker
Because of the centre fifth wheel giving another point of articulation, the rear axles do not scuff as much in tight turns

There are some B-trains transporters that have a fundamentally flat deck, such as this:

9-axle B-train transporter carrying agricultural tractors; note the small gooseneck at the front of the leading trailer to accommodate the fifth wheel

Identifying a B-train is straightforward: the trailers articulate in the middle. There is very little gap between the trailers – this is to maximise the amount of load that can be carried and also to improve aerodynamics. You can contrast this with a truck and trailer combination using a drawbar which has a larger gap.

Fifth wheel for the rear trailer in a B-train. The release handle is more difficult to access than with a semitrailer
Reversing the tractor unit under the front trailer

B-train weights and measures

Maximum width is 2.55m

Maximum length is 20m for a standard B-train, or 23m for a 50MAX B-train

Maximum height is 4.3m

Maximum turning circle is 25m, excluding collapsible mirrors.

Minimum spacing between the front and rear trailer is 1m and the maximum is 4m

Maximum number of axles, including the tractor unit, is 10.

Maximum weight is 44,000kg for a standard B-train; higher limits apply on some routes under an HPMV permit when the vehicle has 7-10 axles as they can be designated as 50MAX vehicles (50,000kg). You can learn about HPMV permits and vehicle dimensions and mass in this training course.

Why use a B-train?

Under 50MAX rules, B-trains can be 4 metres longer than semitrailer combinations and can carry more weight. Obviously, there’s a one-metre space between the trailers, so the additional extra load space is under 3m length, but that still gives around 20-25m3 of additional load space.

B-trains are more stable than truck and trailer combinations that are connected using a bolt and pin coupling such as a Ringfeder. This is because a semitrailer coupling is roll coupled and helps reduce the risk of rollover. If the trailer starts to roll, then it must also roll the cab, unlike with a truck and trailer where the trailer and truck can roll independently of one another.

It’s important for drivers to learn about rollover prevention.

What licence class do you need to drive a B-train?

A class 5 licence is required. You may need other permits for the vehicle, such as HPMV. If you carry dangerous goods, you must have a D endorsement.

Key differences between B-trains and semitrailers

A B-train has two trailers coupled with fifth wheels, a semitrailer has one.

The rear trailer’s kingpin is much closer to the front of the trailer than the a regular semitrailer so that the gap between the trailers is shorter.

The suzi coils for the rear trailer connect underneath, rather than to the back of the front trailer.

Suzi coil connections between the rear trailer and front trailer

The rear trailer is more susceptible to weaving and meandering due to the ‘whip crack’ effect where small inputs into the steering are amplified further back.

The rear trailer can be decoupled and has its own legs to rest on.

The front trailer does not have rear doors; rigid semitrailers usually have rear doors or a tail lift.

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By Darren Cottingham

Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above

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